“Four Horsemen and Star-Child” (Matt 2:1-12; Rev 6:1-8)

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

A Barna Christian research group asked, “If you could ask God only one question, what would you ask?” The most common response was, “Why is there pain and suffering in the world?”[1] An atheist Bart Ehrman writes, “I came to think that there is not a God who is actively involved with this world of pain and misery—if he is, why doesn’t he do something about it?”[2]

If there is a God, and if God is good, why does he let us suffer? Why all this evil and suffering? This is a very important and rich question. And there are lots of ways to approach this question. In fact, the Book of Revelation gives us a good insight and hint to help us get the right answers.

The Time Is Near

The Bible is very clear about the following truth: God does not cause suffering and evil, but in his providence God allows and permits them to accomplish the greater good. One of the main reasons why and how God uses suffering is to get our attention, wake us up, and turn us back to him. C. S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”[3]

In today’s passage we see four horsemen who bring suffering to the world. They bring war (sword), famine, persecution, plague, and death. They bring natural and political disasters. These four horsemen represent satanic forces – Satan’s agents. But some reason Christ opens the seals and allows the four horsemen to bring those disasters to the world. It’s very hard to understand why. But if we look at today’s text in the larger context, we begin to see that Christ uses suffering and evil for his redemptive purpose.

In particular, suffering gives us a sense of time. It’s God’s loud and clear wake-up call: “Wake up from your sleep! The time is near!” (cf. Rev 1:3). If you know anything about casinos, you know that historically they were built without any windows. And that’s on purpose. The idea is they don’t want the people gambling to have a sense of time. They don’t want you to distinguish daylight from dark. In a casino there is no sense of rhythm.[4] Many of us today live a casino-like life – life without a sense of time, life like running on a treadmill. We want to stop and get off, but don’t know how. So God sometimes uses suffering to wake us up, slow us down, or make us stop and think what’s most important in life. I still remember one particular church family at my home church in Korea. They had a beautiful family – one daughter and one son about my age. The father was a very successful businessman. But one day his daughter was killed by a car, a hit and run. The family was devastated. But later on, he said to my parents something like this: “My daughter’s death did draw my attention to what really matters. I no longer live for this world. Now I always look up to heaven and set my heart on things above where my daughter is.” Suffering, such as death, is a wake-up call, God’s gracious reminder that our time here is fleeting, and that we must be ready for the Day.

The Best Answer

Do you remember the question raised by an atheist Bart Ehrman, “If God is good, why doesn’t he do something about evil and suffering?” Actually, God already did answer this question. The best answer God gave us is a person – Jesus Christ, Star-Child.

John Stott, in his book The Cross of Christ, tells a story about billions of people seated on a great plain before God’s throne at the end of time. Most shrank back, while some crowded to the front, raising angry voices. They said, “Can God judge us? How can He know about suffering?” snapped one woman, ripping a sleeve to reveal a tattooed number from a Nazi concentration camp. “We endured terror…beatings…torture…death!” Other sufferers expressed their complaints against God for the evil and suffering He had permitted. “What did God know of weeping, hunger, and hatred? God leads a sheltered life in Heaven,” they said. A Jew, a Negro, someone from Hiroshima, people born deformed, others murdered, each sent forward a leader. They concluded that before God could judge them, he should be sentenced to live on Earth as a man to endure the suffering they had endured. Then they pronounced a sentence as follows:

“Let him be born a Jew. Let the legitimacy of his birth be doubted… Let him be betrayed by his closest friends. Let him face false charges, be tried by a prejudiced jury and convicted by a cowardly judge. Let him be tortured. Let him be utterly alone. Then, bloody and forsaken, let him die.”

As each leader announced his portion of the sentence, loud murmurs of approval went up from the crowd. But when the last had finished pronouncing sentence, there was a long silence. No-one said another word. No-one moved. For suddenly, all knew that God had already served his sentence.[5]

For the Highest Good

When we see Jesus as he really is – how he was born, how he suffered, how he died, we begin to realize how much God loves us. Nowadays our disciple groups study prophetic books of the Bible. For me personally, the main message that I have been learning is this: God never gives up on his people. He even allows suffering to accomplish the highest good, which is to draw us close to him and to Christ. Have you met this God? Have you met this wonderful Savior? My prayer is that all of us in this room may know Jesus firsthand as we celebrate the coming of Messiah. Amen.

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[1] Randy Alcorn, If God Is Good (The Crown Publishing Group, 2009), 11.

[2] Ibid., 206.

[3] Ibid., 417.

[4] Lance Witt, Replenish (Baker Books, 2011), 99. 

[5] John Stott, The Cross of Christ (InterVarsity Press, 2006), kindle location 6673 of 10583.

“Lion and the Lamb” (Revelation 5:1-14)

How to Conquer the World

A weekly magazine The Economist once interviewed Frank Brown, one of the global CEO leaders in 2008. The main topic was how to conquer the world. Mr. Brown basically said two things. The first thing was networking and relationship-building. He said, “Building relationships is not something you do once you're 40 and join the country club. You should have been doing it for the last 15 years.” The second area was communication. He believed how we communicate is a huge factor in how successfully to conquer the world.[1] Good advice.

The Scroll

I shared this because today’s scripture tells us how to conquer the world, but in a different way. In Revelation 4 John is invited to heaven and sees a throne at the center of the universe and the One seated on the throne. He sees that everything – our family, our health, our future, our life – revolves around the throne. Then John’s attention is now shifted from the throne to a scroll. In Revelation 5:1 John says, “Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll…” John does not tell us what it is, but from the following chapters we know it is the book of history, particularly the sealed record of the unknown future. Now we know our history and our future are in God’s right hand. They are safely sealed. But, as long as the scroll is sealed, we don’t know what is written inside. In John’s time Christians were a persecuted minority. As they were suffering under Roman oppression, probably they had many questions in their minds: “Do my sufferings have any meaning?”, “Does God have a plan for this?”, “Who can give me a clue to the mystery of suffering?” They might get frustrated and worn out. They were looking for someone who would be able to open the scroll and give them an answer. That’s why an angel asks John in verse 2, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break the seals?” But, John can’t find anyone. So, he becomes emotional and weeps bitterly. We know God holds the future in our heads. But, when we are hard pressed on every side, in our minds we ask the same questions that the early church Christians had, “Why me? Does God have a plan for this?” No one can answer this question. But, there is good news! The seals are now broken and the scroll is wide open! Now John is invited to see the One who opens the scroll and break the seals.

Christus Victor

He sees Christ Victor. In verse 5, one of the elders says to John, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” So John looks up to see this triumphant lion, but to his surprise what he sees instead is a Lamb, looking as if it has been slain (6). It is crucial that we recognize the contrast between what John hears (“the Lion”) and what he sees (“the Lamb”). Both images are the “true face of Christ.” Yes! Christ Jesus is indeed the Lion of Judah. He is the son of David, the Messiah and God Almighty. He is able to save us by his almighty power. He reigns with God and is equally worthy of our praise and worship. But at the same time, Jesus is the Lamb of God. To be precise, Jesus has willingly become the Lamb of God. He has saved us, not by his almighty power, but by his sacrificial death. In verse 9 four living creatures give praises to Jesus, “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” When we say “Jesus is the Lamb of God,” we tend to think that this Lamb is powerless and vulnerable. But that’s not the case for Jesus. In fact, the reverse is true. In verse 6 the Lamb is described as follows: “He has seven horns and seven eyes.” Here the seven horns symbolize Jesus’ almighty power. The seven eyes signify his perfect knowledge. Jesus, the slain Lamb, is indeed almighty and all-knowing God. But, this Jesus has conquered the world not through his power and knowledge, but through his suffering and death. In Revelation Jesus redefines the nature of power. This power of love transforms us. Jesus is the Lion and the Lamb.

Psalm 22 is called a messianic Psalm. In this Psalm David detailedly prophesies the passion of Christ. Jesus’ suffering on the cross is described in this way: “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet-- I can count all my bones-- they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots” (vv.14-18, ESV). People mocked and said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross. Show your power! Then, we will believe. He saved others; he cannot save himself.” Jesus was indeed able to come down from the cross right away and to show his power. But, he chose not. He endured the cross to the end to give us new life. By his blood Jesus purchased us, while we were of no use whatever to him. We change, we are transformed not by force, but by love. When we taste and see Jesus’ great love, we are drawn to him, and we worship him. At the end of the Psalm 22 David prophesies and sings like this: “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations” (vv.27-28).

Follow the Lamb

The vision of the Lamb is a call to worship the Lamb. And it’s also a call to follow the Lamb. When you see this Jesus, the slaughtered Lamb, you want to worship him and follow him wherever he leads. Jesus has conquered the world. And now he invites us to do the same (cf. Rev 5:10), not by power, but by death – the way of the cross. We conquer the world as we follow the way of the cross. Then, what does it look like? I think the story of Jim Elliot can help us understand what it means to conquer the world by following the way of the cross. Jim and four other missionaries attempted to evangelize unreached people, Waodani tribe, renowned for violence, in Ecuador in 1956. But all five of them were speared by a group of the Waodani warriors. At that time, the missionaries had guns with them but they didn’t use them. Instead, while they were dying, they said to the Waodani men in their language, “I am your friend.” After this, even more amazing thing happened. The wives and children of the missionaries decided to go and live with the Waodani people. And the tribe people asked them this question: “Why didn’t your husbands use their guns?” The wives answered, “Because they wanted to tell you the story of Jesus. He was abused, but he did not retaliate. He suffered, but he did not threaten, because he wanted to show you that there is a new way of life.” The wives and the children lived with the tribe for two years, teaching God’s word, God’s love and forgiveness, transforming their way of life forever. We win souls, we change the world, we conquer the world by following the way of the cross.

“Not My Will, But Yours Be Done”

We often think we would be happy if we follow “my way”, if we are in charge. We often think we must give up our happiness to follow Jesus and his way. But the truth is that His way – the way of the cross – is the only pathway to life, freedom, contentment, and joy (cf. Ps 37:4; Jn 10:10, 15:11).

Recently, I met one of my colleagues. He shared what God was up to among his church. The church was continually growing in numbers, their giving this year exceeded their budget by 25%, and they recently purchased another property for new ministry opportunities. As I was listening, I had to ask the similar questions that the early church Christians had: “Our church struggles. Do our struggles have any meaning?”, “Does God have a plan for this?” “What does God have in store for our church?” and so on. I became fretful and anxious. That same day another colleague gave me a book as a present. God spoke to me through that book. In the book John Ortberg asks his mentor what he, as a pastor, needs to do to help his church grow and be more effective at spiritual transformation. The mentor’s immediate response is, “You must live with deep contentment, joy, and confidence in your experience of everyday life with God.”[2] The question is “How can we live with deep contentment, joy and confidence?” Through following the way of the cross! Through saying “NO” to my way and saying “YES” to Jesus’ way. “Not my will, but Yours be done” in whatever context we are in. By this continues surrender, we become the happiest person in the world. We conquer the world.

Psalm 131

O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;

my eyes are not raised too high;

I do not occupy myself with things too great 

and too marvelous for me.

But I have calmed and quieted my soul,

like a weaned child with its mother;

like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, hope in the LORD

from this time forth and forevermore. 

Amen.

[1] “How to Conquer the World,” The Economist (Mar 6th, 2008)
[2] Lance Witt, Replenish (BakerBooks, 2011), 10.

“The Throne” (Rev 4:1-11)

Behold!

What do you see up here on the altar today? A throne! The throne is one of the most important themes in the Book of Revelation. The word “throne” occurs more than 40 times in Revelation, and 17 out of 40 times occur in today’s passage, chapters 4 and 5. So why does the throne matter? The throne matters because it tells us who God is and how we should respond.  

“Eternal”

The Apostle John just saw the seven churches in a vision. They were small and struggling. In contrast, the Roman Empire seemed invincible and inexhaustible. The early church Christians were at the crossroads. They had to choose between Jesus and Caesar, between persecution and compromise. Before the might of Rome, the hearts of Christians were trembling like the trees of the forest in the wind. Then, the voice is calling John, “Come up here.” The first thing that John sees in heaven is a throne. At the center of the universe John sees the throne – the unchangeable throne and eternal God seated on the throne (2). Then, John realizes that everything under heaven, including Rome, is temporary and only God and His kingdom are eternal.  

King Solomon says, in Ecclesiastes 1:2, “Temporary! Temporary! Everything in life is temporary!” (my translation) Ecclesiastes tells us, “Don’t pursue happiness. It’s a dead-end street. Pursue holiness! (9:7-8); Don’t pursue temporary things. It’s like chasing wind. Live for eternity! (3:11) Remember your Creator before the Day comes” (12:1). Then Ecclesiastes concludes in this way: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13-14, NRSV).

“Sovereign”

Isaiah saw the throne (6:1-6). Daniel saw the throne (7:9-14). Ezekiel saw the throne (1:26-28). John saw the throne. Do you see the throne? In John’s vision we see precious stones like jasper, carnelian, and emerald. We see a rainbow around the throne. We see thunders and lightning before the throne. Don’t bog down in the details. Those images are symbolic rather than literal or pictorial. Do you remember that Jesus is described as the one with a sword sticking out of his mouth in 1:16? If we literally visualize this image, it would be a horrible picture of a weird man. But it symbolizes that the words that Jesus speaks are as sharp and piercing as a two-edged sword. In the same way, all these images – jasper, carnelian, emerald, rainbow, thunders, lightning, and so on – collectively represent God’s sovereign majesty and glory as the King of the universe.  

This sovereign God has a plan – a plan for the world, a plan for the church, a plan for you and me. What is then God’s plan? How does God carry out His plan for His people? Actually chapter 5 answers this question. The answer is Jesus, the Lamb of God (5:6)! God’s plan is Jesus. God’s method is Jesus. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” Our salvation, our deliverance comes from that cradled Son. Jesus carried our pains – all the things wrong with us. He was pierced, crushed, beaten, whipped, and died on the cross. By his death, we were healed and set free. Then, after three days Jesus was raised from the dead. By his resurrection, we have new life, eternal life. Not only that, God gives his Holy Spirit to us, that we may have no fear and overcome the world and boldly follow the Lamb. Revelation, particularly chapters 4 and 5, tells us God’s plan works. It tells us God will accomplish his plan, his purpose for his people, for you and me in His time.

“Worthy”

Our God is sovereign. God created all things. God upholds all things. And God will bring justice for His people. So whatever we are facing today is part of God’s sovereign plan. “Commit your way to the Lord. Trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday” (Ps 37:5-6). Today’s scripture summons us to a heavenly perspective to see who is in charge. Today’s scripture also calls us to worship. Our God is worthy to be praised!

In John’s vision we see 24 elders, representing the 12 tribes in the OT, and the 12 apostles in the NT. Together they represent the universal church – the Old and New Testament peoples of God. And before the throne they never cease to worship. What we can learn from today’s scripture is this: the purpose of our life here on earth and in heaven is to worship God. The purpose of the church on earth and in heaven is to worship God. “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created!” (11)

All of Life as Worship

Worship doesn’t just happen on Sunday. All of life is worship. If you go to Greenland you would see countless icebergs, some little and some gigantic. If you’d observe them carefully, you’d notice that sometimes the small ice floes move in one direction while their massive counterparts flow in another. The reason is this: the little ones are tossed by surface winds, whereas the huge ones are carried along by deep ocean currents. When you face trials and challenges, are you tossed by surface winds or carried by ocean currents? The winds represent everything changeable and temporary; whereas ocean currents represent God’s sovereign and eternal purposes, the deep flow of his love. When we wait on God and trust his sovereignty and follow his ways anyway, all of our life becomes act of worship.

Somehow all of us in this room always hear two different kinds of drumbeats – the drumbeat of the world, and the drumbeat of heaven. The drumbeat of the world is loud and clear, appealing and forceful. The drumbeat of heave is a more distant, subtle, and gentle. But one is temporary, and the other is eternal. One is arbitrary and the other is sovereign. To what drumbeat will you march? Do you hear the drumbeat of heaven? Do you see the throne stood in heaven? Let us join David, one of our worship leaders in his unending hymn and march with him: “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken… you make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore!” (Ps 165:8, 11) Amen.